F&M Professor Elected Field Ornithologists Association President

Franklin & Marshall Professor of Biology Daniel Ardia, whose research focuses on the interactions of birds and mammals in the environment, has been elected president of the Association of Field Ornithologists for a two-year-term.

A national organization founded in 1922, AFO’s scope includes field studies and bird-banding for professional and amateur ornithologists. Ardia’s many roles at the association have included managing its research supplies business and as investmenttrustee overseeing management of the endowment.

Professor Ardia's research at F&M focuses on birds and mammals, but he also participates in local science outreach events to encourage future college students to consider the field.
Image Credit: Deb Grove

Ardia was vice president from 2016 to June 2018, when he was elected president. AFO publishes the Journal of Field Ornithology, gives grant support to scientists and students worldwide, conducts annual scientific meetings, and manages a research supply business.

“We’re one of three broad ornithological societies in the United States,” Ardia said. “Our niche is field-focused; we support bird-banding, citizen science and conservation, especially across Latin America. Our grant program is central to supporting research by students, early-career professionals and colleagues in Latin America.”

As president, Ardia works with AFO’s partner to manage the business, which primarily produces mist nets, used to capture wild birds, he said. The profits are used directly by AFO and its partner for conservation, research, and education related to birds.

“We have a nonprofit partner, Biodiversity Research International, that works with us to produce, market, and sell specialized research equipment,” Ardia said. “The business, Avian Research Supplies/Avinet, did about $900,000 of business last year.”